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Pre-1970 Basketball Cards

When talking about pre-1970s basketball cards, there are really only a few mainstream options available to collectors. The Basketball Association of America did not begin until 1946 and the league did not adopt the NBA moniker until 1949. The first official product issued was 1948 Bowman. Nearly ten years passed before another product came in the form of 1957-58 Topps Basketball. Lastly, 1961-62 Fleer rounded out the period between 1940 and 1969. Regularly-issued basketball cards finally began with the release of 1969-70 Topps Basketball.

Because of the gaps in card production, all of the releases are packed with rookie cards. The most popular rookie options include Bill Russell, George Mikan, Lew Alcindor (Kareem Abdul-Jabbar), Bob Cousy, Elgin Baylor, Wilt Chamberlain, Oscar Robertson, and Jerry West.

1969-70 Topps Rulers Basketball is one of the most unique and colorful sets you’ll likely ever encounter. Showcasing players’ height, the fold-out cards include cartoon interpretations of such superstars as Wilt Chamberlain and Lew Alcindor.

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